I have a proposal I would like to think will gain attention. The idea is a portion of universal basic income (UBI) funding should come from the world’s largest social media platforms. Companies such as Meta, X, TikTok, and Snapchat generate billions of dollars by monetizing engagement, data, advertising, and artificial intelligence. While these businesses have created economic value, they have also benefited from content produced by users without compensating them. In today’s digital economy, governments should require these platforms to contribute directly to the public good by helping fund UBI.
The economy has shifted dramatically over the past two years. For myself, just reentering the community, it feels like a whole new world, and I was only gone 90 days. I thank God for Street Sense every time I pray. Social media companies have become some of the most valuable corporations, with market valuations reaching hundreds of billions or even trillions of dollars. According to Yahoo Finance, Meta has a current valuation of $1.48 trillion, while X’s is $44 billion. Their business models rely on users creating photos, videos, comments, reviews, and conversations to keep others engaged. Every interaction generates data analyzed to improve advertising, personalize content, and develop new artificial intelligence. In many ways, the users provide the raw material that makes these companies profitable.
This creates a compelling argument the wealth generated from these digital platforms should be shared broadly. Just as governments tax natural resources, property, or corporate profits, they could establish a digital services tax or social media revenue tax to fund UBI. Rather than placing the burden entirely on income taxes paid by workers, governments should recognize enormous wealth is being generated in the digital economy that should contribute to addressing poverty and economic insecurity.
One of the most immediate benefits of UBI would be help with rent payments. Housing is often one of the largest monthly expenses, and having a guaranteed source of income could make it easier to pay rent on time. Financial stability would allow me to focus on planning for the future instead of constantly worrying about how to cover basic necessities. Knowing I have support each month could also make it easier to save money for emergencies and investments.
Health care is another area where UBI could make a meaningful difference. Medical expenses, prescription costs, and unexpected health issues can quickly become financial burdens. With a guaranteed income, I would be better prepared to afford health care needs, attend checkups, and purchase medications. Good health would allow me to remain focused on building a better future instead of being held back by untreated medical concerns.
Perhaps the greatest impact of UBI for me would be its ability to support my entrepreneurial ambitions. Starting a small business requires time, dedication, and resources. Many aspiring entrepreneurs struggle because they must work multiple jobs, leaving little time or energy.
While homeless, I’ve had the opportunity to take entry-level bicycle mechanic classes, which gave me inspiration to own my own mobile bicycle shop. UBI could provide a financial cushion that allows me to dedicate attention to researching my market, creating a business plan, developing products, and building a customer base.
Having a reliable source of income could also reduce the fear of taking calculated risks. Instead of worrying one slow month might leave me unable to pay my bills, I could focus on making thoughtful business decisions that promote long-term success. UBI would not replace the hard work, discipline, or determination required to run a business, but it could provide the stability needed to stay committed during the challenging startup phase.
I would use the UBI payments to save for advanced bicycle courses, which are fairly priced but still expensive. Over time, my business would generate income, create jobs, and support economic growth while helping me achieve financial independence.
Ultimately, UBI could serve as a stepping stone rather than a permanent solution. With consistent support and responsible financial planning, I would use UBI as a tool to build a stronger future, achieve self-sufficiency, and create lasting opportunities for myself and others.
There are additional reasons why social media companies should contribute. These platforms have transformed labor markets by changing how people consume news, entertainment, and advertising. Traditional media industries have experienced significant disruption, while many small businesses depend on paid social media advertising to reach customers. At the same time, automation and artificial intelligence developed by technology companies have reshaped employment. A prime example is self checkout registers in every local grocery store. As these technological changes increase productivity and profits, governments should ensure part of those gains are reinvested into society.
Funding UBI through social media taxation could also encourage greater corporate responsibility. Technology companies invest in content moderation, cybersecurity, and user safety, but governments bear many of the social costs associated with online misinformation, fraud, cyberbullying, and mental health challenges. A dedicated tax would not solve these issues, but it would acknowledge platforms have broader responsibilities within the societies in which they operate and hold them accountable for their influence on the mentality of the American people.
Those against this proposal may raise valid concerns. Social media companies may argue higher taxes would discourage innovation, reduce investment, or lead to higher advertising costs for businesses. Not too long ago, I completed a survey where I asked some of my customers what they thought the pros and cons of UBI were; the most common concern was companies could relocate operations to countries with lower tax rates or pass costs on to consumers. These concerns suggest that any funding mechanism would need international coordination to maintain competitiveness.
Even so, governments around the world are already exploring digital services taxes. According to Vatcalc, Austria has a 5% tax on online advertising, while the UK has a 2% tax on marketplaces, social media, and search engines, which has been active since 2020. Adopting these efforts into a dedicated UBI funding stream is a logical extension of the principle that industries benefiting most from the digital economy should contribute directly to the public welfare. The modest tax applied consistently across major platforms should be used to generate substantial public revenue while preserving the companies’ ability to innovate and grow.
Furthermore, funding UBI through social media platforms reflects a broader question about economic equity in the digital age and will reshape what we know as equality. If billions of people collectively create the attention, data, and content that drive corporate profits, there is a reasonable argument society should share in the value created. For individuals like myself, that shared value could mean the difference between remaining trapped in homelessness and having the financial stability needed to secure housing, seek employment, and rebuild an independent life. While this proposal would require careful economic planning and political consensus, it offers one possible path toward aligning the extraordinary success of the digital economy with the broader responsibility of reducing poverty and expanding opportunity. This is the only way to create equality in modern times.
